Arkansas fans may not have much interest in facing off against Georgia on the field during Year 1 of the Sam Pittman era but the head of the Razorback football program would have no issue in matching up against the team many are picking to win the SEC East this fall.

The outstanding job Pittman did recruiting and coaching for Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart is a big reason why the longtime assistant coach landed his first Power 5 head coaching role in Fayetteville this offseason, and if the Southeastern Conference decides to pit the Razorbacks and the Bulldogs, the head Hog would welcome the challenge.

Of course, Pittman notes, he would have a word of advice for Razorback Nation if Georgia was scheduled to play in Fayetteville this fall.

“Depends on where we played them. If we went to Georgia, it would be nice to go back and see all the people there,” Pittman said on Thursday during his most recent media availability. “They have an incredible fan base.

“If they came here, if (Georgia fans) are allowed, they are going to travel. I’m going to tell Arkansas fans to sell that thing out, because if not, it’s going to be loaded with Georgia fans.”

All kidding aside, Pittman shared his fondness for the state of Georgia and his time serving under Smart in Athens.

“I have fond memories of Georgia, they were good to me, the entire state, and of course, Kirby Smart,” Pittman added. “If we play them a year earlier than what I thought, we would look forward to playing them.”

That level of confidence has been lacking in Fayetteville in recent seasons. It’s good to see Pittman bringing it back to The Hill.